This should be of great interest to those that have towing capacity challenged vehicles like the Prado, Pajero, Rodeo, Nissan 3 ltr Auto Patrol, and others that are restricted to 2500 kg fully loaded. Even with air conditioning added, you still have 450 kg payload capability.

On the road, Ranger

Last edited by Bushtracker on Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:10 pm; edited 3 times in total

Cannot wait to see the interior photos. Wish you were bringing the van to the Perth Show which is being held 18th to 22nd March 2010. This van should do really well for those people with the smaller 4wds.

Thanks Steve for showing us the interior. Love the decor and wish you were showing it off at the Perth Caravan and Camping Show as you would have a lot of admirers for this lovely van.
When will this van be available for sale and how much will it cost?
Cheers

Mike and Helen

Hello Newbies, there is a Link you can click on at the first Post in this Thread... Regards, Steven Gibbs,

A new Hybrid Lite Owner comments on his van and Prado towing it:
From Surfy53

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Posted: Wed May 26, 2010 7:51 am

We are back in Rocky after picking up our BT on May 13th. It was a big long day, but thanks to Peter who guided us through the delivery day we made it through.....just, finishing at 4.45pm. Fay videoed the whole event, and thank God for that as I refer back to the video quite a bit.

The big question........The Prado. Yes, it does work but has a few limitations. Anyone considering buying a BT please read Steve's posts on vehicle selection before ordering your van. This is most important. It will ensure that your journey is pleasurable and not fraught with misgivings.

If you intend to only take a few short breaks (4 or 5 weeks ) each year then the Prado is capable of doing it. For longer more extended trips talk to Steve about the vehicle you are considering using. This guy knows his stuff, us newbies know nothing. The boys at BT have done all the R & D and know it all. Steve only has your safety, and the quality of your BT lifestyle in mind.

If you spend all that money on a van, you want to be able to enjoy it to it's fullest potential, so tell the guys exactly what you want to do and they will help you no end.

Chris.

Special thanks to Peter and Danial for their guidance on the day.
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I see through the lens of a camera. [/color][/b]

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I think this just reinforces what I say in TIPS ON TOW VEHICLES on the Prado Topic..
In all fairness, if you have already comitted to the Prado, already own it, the Hybrid Lite was designed just for you..

However: If you have not bought a tow vehicle yet, I think you need to reconsider if you are thinking of the Prado and more of a long term travel plan. For only 100mm smaller, it has a ton less towing capacity, is not that much cheaper than a full sized Landcruiser, and the truth is the Cruisers larger engine gets better fuel economy when towing as well...

The size of Bushtracker that people stay with long term is 19'-21'. The 19' costs less than the more expensive Engineering of the 18' Hybrid Lite, and also it comes with a larger suspension, larger brakes, nicer bed and layout in general. The Hybrid was built for the smaller tow restricted vehicles, but if you have the power and towing capacity of the larger Landcruiser, then the Hybrid Lite is not advised. You cannot load up the Hybrid Lite as much, as the suspension is just not designed for it.

Just a note of caution and good advice here, if you have the ability to tow more, the Hybrid Lite series is not cost effective for you, or commands the resale demand of the most common range of Bushtracker in 19'to 21'. Also, you cannot load up the Hybrid Lite, as it is not designed for the heavier towing ability and power of a larger tow vehicle like a Landcruiser. My best advice on the matter? Come for a Tour to Bushtracker, decide on the van size that is right for you, and then decide on the Tow Vehicle..

We are experimenting and innovating all the time... Our newest has just made it's debut: And now for 2011.5, we have a new 18' Hybrid Lite with a separate toilet and shower layout. If you went to the Brisbane Supershow, it is the one that was there on display...

Hi Guys
There is something about the Hybrid Lite that I don't get. I am really interested in one of these.

But if it is a "hybrid", does that mean it is a cross between a proper BT and a road van? Is it capable (within the restrictions imposed by it's maximum weight capacity) of being towed on the same sorts of roads that a proper BT can travel on.
Thanks
Pete

Hi Guys
There is something about the Hybrid Lite that I don't get. I am really interested in one of these.

Pete

Hi ya Pete,
Look, the Hybrid means that it is a composite structure, exotic engineering, of an all aluminium chassis and steel suspension components.. It is designed for People that made the wrong choice of a tow vehicle and are handicapped to a lower tow rating, like the Prado for instance. I do not want them to have to miss out on a Bushtracker because of this..

This was specifically developed for the Prado sized vehicles. Even the Outback testing of the design was done with a Prado… If you do not have the lower tow rating and have a full sized tow vehicle like a Landcruiser, we can build you 19’ with a bigger suspension, and better layout, without the exotic engineering of the Hybrid Lite, for the same money. Have a look on this Forum for more ideas on this. It really depends on your tow vehicle, but the Hybrid Lite has some expensive and exotic engineering for the smaller tow vehicles that you should not pay for if you have a larger tow vehicle like a Nissan Patrol or Landcruiser for instance..